The University announced that starting cornerback Darrin Walls will not be enrolled at Notre Dame during the fall semester, stripping the Irish of perhaps their most talented player. Walls will return home to Pittsburgh, Pa., at summer school's completion for "personal reasons" although Notre Dame did not elaborate.

"We won't have Darrin with us this season but I hope to have him return for the spring semester," Charlie Weis said in a statement. "Fortunately, cornerback is a position of strength on our team and this will provide opportunities for increased playing time for our corners."

Notre Dame also announced that senior wide receiver D.J. Hord had left the program to transfer to a I-AA school. Hord, among the most touted prospects in Notre Dame's 2005 recruiting class, finished his career with two catches for seven yards. He appeared in 12 games in three seasons, missing his entire sophomore year with an Achilles injury.

"I'd like to thank D.J. for all he has given to this team in his three years and wish him well in his future endeavors," Weis said.